Dining out on Valentine’s Day can be a challenge when you’re on a diet. Whether you or your date is trying to lose weight, champagne, wine, bread, appetizers, and high-carb snacks can lead to complete diet destruction. Some restaurants even have Valentine’s Day appetizer menus, making healthy choices or adjustments impossible. With so many obstacles, it might be easier (and cheaper) to make your Valentine at home this year. Plus, the effort will earn you bonus points.
Spoil your sweetheart with these 14 low-carb recipes that are perfect for Valentine’s Day.
1. Peanut donuts >
Calories per serving: 290
Start your loved one’s day with breakfast in bed. Peanut butter, zucchini, and eggs are the star ingredients in this low-carb recipe. However, almond flour, cinnamon, vanilla and a little stevia add to the classic pancake flavor and texture. Make them into a heart shape if you’re feeling creative. Garnish with stevia or monk fruit-based syrup.
2. Lobster bisque >
Calories per serving: 270:
More often than not, luxury and healthy don’t go together in the same sentence. However, this creamy, decadent bisque provides one vegetable (thanks to tomatoes and onions), one protein (lobster), and one healthy fat (whole milk). Lobster is out of your budget. Pollock (imitation crab meat) is a delicious swap.
3. Stuffed Pepper Tacos >
Calories per serving: 345:
If your loved one loves Mexican food, this recipe will knock their socks off. Colorful, delicious, and filling, these tacos are made with a simple bell pepper shell. They’re a little satisfying thanks to the creamy sour cream, cheddar cheese, and rich avocado.
4. Avocado Shrimp Burger >
Calories per serving: 345:
Bet you never thought you’d buy pork rinds out of your diet. However, that’s what gives these burgers their rich flavor and great crunch. Pork rind is made from pork rind and salt. And even though they’re deep-fried, they’re also high in protein, have zero carbs and contain both mono and polyunsaturated fats, says the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
5. Garlic Shrimp Pasta >
Calories per serving: 230:
Have you ever heard of glucomannan? It is a type of soluble fiber that comes from the root of the konjac plant, which grows in Japan, China and Southeast Asia. According to Healthline, shirataki noodles are made of water and glucomannan fiber and are very low in calories and carbohydrates. It’s worth going to a gourmet or Asian grocery store to find them. We mix these keto-friendly noodles with shrimp, garlic, and butter for a delicious dinner your Valentine will love.
6. Chicken Lasagna Cups >
Calories per serving: 246:
Muffins and muffins aren’t the only things you can bake in a muffin pan. In this recipe, thin chicken cutlets are placed in muffin cups and baked. Not only does the chicken hold its shape, but it also holds the delicious goodness of the lasagna.
7. Beef with mushrooms and asparagus >
Calories per serving: 370
Whether you have flank steak or top round, London broilers tend to use tougher cuts of meat that benefit from a marinade or score. This breaks down tough muscle fibers to create a more tender and juicy result. Scoring also allows you to infuse flavor, which is why we used the method here. Low-carb mushrooms and asparagus are perfect veggie sides for this hearty Valentine’s Day treat.
8. Five-Spice Salmon >
Calories per serving: 251:
Thanks to Chinese Five Spice powder infused with cinnamon, anise, cloves and ginger, this salmon offers a subtle and spicy heat. It’s not overpowering and you’ll love how the spices complement the salmon. We serve it over fresh, steamed, garlicky spinach as a high-fiber side.
9. Mustard Crusted Pork >
Calories per serving: 250
Something about pork makes it fancier than chicken. But it’s actually just as easy to make (if not easier). This recipe is sure to impress, yet it comes together with just a few pantry staples in less than 30 minutes. Serve with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a romantic home-cooked dinner.
10. Lamb chops with mint pesto >
Calories per serving: 253:
Here’s another dish that makes a great presentation. But don’t be fooled. It’s very easy to make and the hardest part is making sure you get all the pesto ingredients. The lamb comes together in about six minutes under the broiler, leaving you plenty of time to spend with your Valentine.
11. Easy Flourless Black Bean Brownies >
Calories per serving: 203:
Instead of that obligatory box of chocolates, your loved one deserves guilt-free homemade brownies. Black beans may seem like an interesting ingredient, but they’re practically tasteless when mixed with chocolate protein powder, vanilla, cinnamon, and dark chocolate chips.
12. Iced Espresso Cream >
Calories per serving: 100
Mistress, anyone? This smooth custard tastes very much like a classic Italian dessert. Just be sure to make this creamy drink ahead of time, as it takes three hours to chill. Don’t have these gorgeous little cream cups? Easily replace tea cups, mugs or mini mason jars.
13. 1-Minute Chocolate Ricotta Mousse >
Calories per serving: 200
Chocolatey, creamy and ready in seconds? Yes please! Whip up the dessert when you decide you’re ready. You may find that just a pinch of salt can cut through some of the sweetness, giving your mousse a nice flavor balance. This creamy, dreamy dessert is the perfect way to spoil your Valentine.
14. Iced Pom-Mojito Spritzers >
Calories per serving: 50:
Really achieve that restaurant feel by making your Valentine a specialty cocktail. If desired, you can always add champagne, Prosecco or use sparkling white wine. Remember; Alcohol is allowed in moderation on the South Beach Diet. Stick to four ounces of dry wine and feel free to skip the sugar substitute.